This was my first read from this author, and sadly, it left me disappointed. The premise sounded promising, but the execution never lived up to it. I expected something richer and more engaging than what we ultimately received.

I listened to the audiobook and genuinely enjoyed the narrator. Her British accent suited the setting, and she gave each character a distinct voice, which helped with the multiple POVs. Her performance made the story more immersive, but even she could not rescue the slow pacing. I do not recall any strong language, and there is no spice.

The first half of the story dragged for me. I came close to giving up because nothing seemed to move forward, and I was getting bored. There is a lot of setup, endless planning, and many meetings about planning, and none of it felt compelling. I just didn’t care. I liked getting to know the characters, but I needed something to happen. Other reviewers have compared this to Six of Crows with vampires. I have not read that book yet, but the heist element here felt weak and underdeveloped. I also wanted far more focus on the vampires, since that was one of the main reasons I chose this book. It rarely felt like a vampire story.

It took me a long time to push through, but things finally picked up near the end. The heist sequence, while brief, was enjoyable, and the final twists offered some excitement. I also appreciated the found family vibes among the characters and the historical setting, which created a nice atmosphere.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, but I do not feel invested enough to continue. I think this author simply is not for me. Still, if the premise appeals to you, there is a chance you might connect with it more than I did.